The Elders

Independent global leaders working together for peace and human rights.

Middle East peace

After decades of peace process, there is still no peace. The Elders are supporting civil society action for an end to the conflict and lasting peace.

Guest blog Julia Bacha, 10 November 2011

Promoting non-violent alternatives

“Non-violent grassroots actions by Israelis and Palestinians need support if they are to succeed and grow.”

Julia Bacha, filmmaker and Media Director at Just Vision, blogs about their new short film series telling the stories of Israelis and Palestinians involved in an ongoing non-violent campaign in Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem.

News 22 September 2011

The Elders: United Nations should endorse Palestinian right to statehood

Tutu, Carter and fellow Elders meet Mahmoud Abbas in New York

News Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson, 20 September 2011

For the recognition of a Palestinian state

With the US and Israel opposing the Palestinian bid for statehood at the UN, Jimmy Carter and Mary Robinson urge the European Union to seize this opportunity to support Palestinian self-determination and maintain its commitment to upholding international law. Originally published in Le Monde.

News Jimmy Carter, 13 September 2011

After the UN vote on Palestine

As Palestinians seek recognition of a Palestinian state, Jimmy Carter argues in the International Herald Tribune for a new, comprehensive peace proposal and international mediation of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

Press release 13 September 2011

The Elders support Palestinian appeal to the United Nations

European Union should adopt a strong common position

The Elders announce their support for a UN resolution endorsing Palestinian statehood. The group has written to EU Foreign Ministers urging them to support the Palestinian appeal.

Elders blog Fernando H Cardoso, 23 August 2011

A lasting peace must be an inclusive peace

Fernando H Cardoso argues that the reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas presents a new opportunity for Israel to negotiate with a unified Palestinian leadership – and ultimately to pursue a viable two-state solution with the Palestinians.

Elders blog Lakhdar Brahimi, 23 August 2011

Palestinian leaders must put their national cause first

With the Fatah-Hamas unity deal so far producing little meaningful change for most Palestinians, Lakhdar Brahimi argues that the parties must commit to working together in order to rebuild Gaza, hold credible elections, and present a unified Palestinian voice on the international stage.

News 04 June 2011

Palestinian unity: The Elders' letter to world leaders

The Elders have written to world leaders urging them to support Palestinian unity. Having welcomed the reconciliation agreement signed between Fatah and Hamas in May 2011, The Elders are now calling on the international community to demonstrate a fresh approach to its pursuit of a viable two-state solution based on international law and respect for fundamental human rights.

News 31 May 2011

The Elders condemn Israeli attack on Gaza relief ships

The Elders have issued a statement condemning the reported killing by Israeli forces of more than a dozen people who were attempting to deliver relief supplies to the Gaza strip by sea.

News Jimmy Carter, 25 May 2011

The unchanged path to Mideast peace

Commenting in The International Herald Tribune, Jimmy Carter argues for a two-state solution based on Israel's withdrawal from Palestinian territories occupied during the 1967 war – with the exception of mutually agreed land swaps.